Beginning in late December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will spend several months gathering information about farm economics from farmers and ranchers throughout the United States, as the agency conducts the third and final phase of the 2025 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS).
Farm Journal has announced three finalists for the prestigious 2026 Top Producer of the Year Award, honoring some of the most progressive and successful farm operations in the country. The winner and finalists will be formally recognized at the 2026 Top Producer Summit, agriculture’s premier executive-level conference for elite farmers and ranchers, which is set for Feb. 9-11 in Nashville, Tenn. Also presented at the event will be the Next Generation Award and Women in Agriculture Award.
American Soybean Association leader and North Dakota soybean farmer Josh Gackle testified before the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) during a public hearing to review China’s follow-through on commitments made as part of the 2020 U.S.–China Phase One Agreement.
During its annual election meeting in St. Louis, the American Soybean Association Board of Directors voted in the executive committee members who will lead the organization through the coming year’s top advocacy priorities, including the farm economy, biofuels, inputs, trade, markets and other critical policy issues for U.S. soybean farmers.
“Analyzing the Health and Economics of Seed Oils” is a webinar being presented by Agri-Pulse, the Soy Checkoff and the American Soybean Association. It will be held Thursday, Dec. 18 at 1:00 p.m. CT / 2:00 p.m. ET. Click here to register.
Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board (USB) elected Brent Gatton from Bremen, Ky., as the new chair during the organization’s December board meeting in St. Charles, Mo. He’s joined by nine newly elected farmer-leaders to serve alongside him on the Executive Committee for the upcoming year.
The Georgia Peanut Commission hosted a photo contest throughout 2025 to fill the pages of the 2026 Georgia Peanut Calendar. Peanut farmers and industry representatives from across Georgia were encouraged to submit their best, high-resolution photo from the farm for a chance to feature the photo in the 2026 calendar.
Land O’Lakes, Inc., one of the nation’s largest farmer- and member-owned cooperatives, announced a $1 million hunger relief investment aimed at supporting rural communities ahead of the holiday season. Grants will go to 15 Feeding America® partner food banks across Land O’Lakes’ member-owner and employee footprint, as well as to Feeding America. This commitment effectively doubles the cooperative’s 2025 hunger relief impact, building on nearly 4 million meals already provided this year.
Farm Credit Bank of Texas (FCBT) announced the appointment of Brandon Blaut as chief executive officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2026. Blaut’s selection by the FCBT Board of Directors follows the previously announced retirement of current CEO Amie Pala. Blaut brings extensive leadership experience to the role, having served as the bank’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer.
Florida’s Peanut Butter Challenge collects 32,773 jars of peanut butter spreading hope to the state’s hungry. The challenge is a collaborative effort of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, with support from the Florida Peanut Federation, the Florida Peanut Producers Association and community partners throughout the state. All those jars add up to 44,564 pounds of peanut butter.
The Farm Progress Show has been honored as the Trade Show News Network (TSNN) B2B Show of the Year, a prestigious recognition that underscores its transformative role in advancing agriculture. The 2025 Farm Progress Show brought together 161,000 attendees and 548 exhibitors, showcasing new equipment, precision ag technologies and sustainable solutions that are shaping the future of farming. With initiatives like career fairs, mental health resources, Women in the Field programming and live field demonstrations, Farm Progress created a dynamic space where innovation, education and advocacy intersect.
